Extension Springs

Extension springs are wound to oppose extension. They are often fully compressed in the no-load position and have hooks, eyes, or other interface geometry at the ends to attach to the components they connect. They are frequently used to provide return force to components that extend in the actuated position.

The most important parameters to consider when searching for extension springs are the dimensions.  These include outer diameter, wire diameter, and free length.  The free length is the overall length of a spring in the unloaded position.  Other important considerations include design units.  Design units can be specified in English or metric units.  Some manufacturers may specify both.  Important spring parameters to consider when searching for extension springs include the maximum load, the spring rate, and the extended length.  The maximum load is the load at full extension.  The spring rate is the force per unit spring deflection. The extended length is the length at full rated extension.

Common types of extension springs include drawbar spring, and constant force spring.  Drawbar spring extends to a solid stop.  Constant force springs are a special variety of extension spring.  Constant force means the spring force is not a function of displacement.  Constant force is specified in units of pounds. 

Common materials of construction for extension springs include stainless steel, high carbon steel wire, alloy steel or music wire, nickel base alloy wire, brass, and hard drawn. Spring steel is a standard industrial grade of steel specifically used for spring making.  It exhibits good elastic and return properties.  Music wire is a common and relatively inexpensive high-carbon steel alloy used for spring manufacture.  It is cold drawn and offers uniform tensile strength.  Stainless steel exhibits good corrosion resistance for specialty applications.  Exotic metals and their alloys with special properties and applications; include such materials as beryllium copper, beryllium nickel, niobium, tantalum, and titanium.  Plastic is a broad category including all thermoplastic materials used by custom spring winding service providers.  Plastic springs may be used in light-to-medium duty applications for quiet and corrosion-resistant qualities.

• Measuring Initial Spring Rate and Initial Tension
  Extension springs are springs which absorb and store energy by offering resistance to a pulling force. Various types of ends are used to attach the extension spring to the source of the force....
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• Initial Tension - What Is It?
  One of the least understood elements of spring design is initial tension in extension springs. So often designers will guess at the amount of force necessary to overcome this one time load, or they...
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• Determining Right Hand or Left Hand Spring Wind Direction
  The direction of wind of a spring can be determined by simply holding it in your hand with your fingers placed around the outside of the body and your thumb pointing straight up. If the last coil ends...
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Part Numbers for Extension Springs